When talking about Japanese museums, there are numerous spots that have to be included in Yokohama city. Not only is it well-known for the bustling Yokohama Chinatown and its delicious Yokohama ramen, but this city is also the center of some of the most famous museums in Japan. With a lot of unique features, Yokohama museums will surely satisfy the curiosity of many history buffs who travel to one of the largest cities in Japan.
So whether you’re a history buff or not, let’s dive in with a quick overview of the five most iconic Yokohama museums.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
If you‘re a fan of Japanese ramen, this Yokohama museum is definitely perfect for you. The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum was established nearly 30 years ago, and it’s become an excellent place for both Japanese people and tourists to visit and look for some nostalgic feelings.
Thanks to the museum gallery, visitors can easily obtain a deeper understanding of both the history and the amazing variety of ramen noodles. On top of that, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is also a unique place where 9 popular ramen shops are gathered. More than that, visitors can have an interesting opportunity to enjoy different bowls of delicious ramen in a recreated street scene of mid-20th century Japan.
Dagashi-ya, which is a traditional sweet store located inside the museum, has also done a great job of reminding many Japanese visitors of their childhood memories. Not only that, but Dagashi-ya is also a major source of enjoyment for many small visitors because of its huge archive of over 300 vintage sweets and toys.
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Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
If you’re more familiar with instant ramen noodles than with traditional ramen noodles, why not try stopping by the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama?
It is definitely a great chance for you to get more information about the pioneer of every current cup ramen noodle and its creator – Mr. Momofuku Ando. He also founded Nissin, a global reputable food company that produces tons of Japanese cup ramen. Coming to this museum, you can indulge yourself in a variety of interesting activities while observing, playing, and experiencing all there is to know about cup noodles for as much in-depth knowledge as possible.
The Momofuku theater and gallery inside the museum will allow you to discover essential information about Mr. Momofuku Ando, the production process of the noodles, and the story behind the founder’s innovative ideas.
Additionally, you can also enjoy customizing the packaging and freely choosing your favorite toppings for your own personal instant noodle cup at the My Cup Noodles Factory. Another specialty of this Yokohama museum is that you can try noodles ice cream while visiting the Noodles Bazaar. Basically, you’ll be served exclusive vanilla-flavored ice cream with various tasty cup noodle toppings.
Yokohama Silk Museum
Have you ever wondered what makes a Kimono (Japanese traditional clothing) so gorgeous and remarkable? Well, the Yokohama Silk Museum will give you a detailed answer if you drop by there.
You can explore and learn more about the process of crafting silk and silkworms, one of the important contributors to the production process. By implementing several firsthand activities, the museum will more or less help its visitors, especially children, to enhance their own understanding of Japanese silk.
Even better, visitors also have the chance to admire many stunning kimonos displayed in the Yokohama Silk Museum
Hara Model Railway Museum
As you may know, Yokohama was actually the area that started the very first railway in Japan. So the Hara Model Railway Museum has kept a colossal number of train figures invented and owned by Nobutaro Hara. This museum is known for having the largest and most detailed model railway collection in the world.
At this special Yokohama museum, every visitor can experience the realistic sounds, speeds, and movements of Japan’s trains as they come across all of the mini trains running through.
Yokohama Port Museum
Many people already know Yokohama as one of the world’s most famous port cities, and the Yokohama Port Museum has been open to the public since 1989 promoting this image as well as providing historical views to its visitors.
The Yokohama Port Museum has 2 different zones in order to give every visitor a diverse experience at the museum. The Port of Yokohama History Zone will help people to deepen their knowledge by guiding them to 7 sections of the history of Yokohama Port from the 19th century onwards. On the same note, The Rediscovery Zone will assist visitors to have a more realistic understanding of the construction and the environment of Yokohama Port.
We hope that you now have a few Yokohama museums on your list of things to do on your next Japan trip! Don’t forget to let us know which Yokohama museums you want to visit the most in the comments below!
